Thu, 08/28/2014 - 14:56
By SEMA Editors

moore
Jim Moore, senior director of OEM relations, has a 20-year career serving the automotive, racing and motorcycle industries.

Jim Moore has been hired to fill the senior director, OEM relations, role at SEMA.

Moore combines a 20-year career serving the automotive, racing and motorcycle industries with a deep passion for the performance aftermarket community. His Detroit roots stretch back to Car & Driver magazine before moving to Ford, where he worked with the Ford Racing and Performance Parts groups. In 2003, Moore relocated to Southern California, where he developed new-vehicle launch events for top OEMs, such as Chrysler, GM, Honda, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota. Most recently, Moore was directing the International Motorcycle Shows—the leading consumer-engagement platform for motorcycle OEM manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers.

“We are pleased to announce that Jim Moore is now part of the SEMA team. SEMA is committed to developing and maintaining strong relations with the OEM community, and working to enhance collaboration between the OEMs and the performance aftermarket industry as a whole,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA's president and CEO. “By hiring Jim, we have added an experienced player who knows both sides of the industry. We’re very fortunate to have him join our team.”

Moore currently lives in Santa Monica, California, with his wife and two young daughters.

Thu, 08/28/2014 - 14:56
By SEMA Editors

moore
Jim Moore, senior director of OEM relations, has a 20-year career serving the automotive, racing and motorcycle industries.

Jim Moore has been hired to fill the senior director, OEM relations, role at SEMA.

Moore combines a 20-year career serving the automotive, racing and motorcycle industries with a deep passion for the performance aftermarket community. His Detroit roots stretch back to Car & Driver magazine before moving to Ford, where he worked with the Ford Racing and Performance Parts groups. In 2003, Moore relocated to Southern California, where he developed new-vehicle launch events for top OEMs, such as Chrysler, GM, Honda, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota. Most recently, Moore was directing the International Motorcycle Shows—the leading consumer-engagement platform for motorcycle OEM manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers.

“We are pleased to announce that Jim Moore is now part of the SEMA team. SEMA is committed to developing and maintaining strong relations with the OEM community, and working to enhance collaboration between the OEMs and the performance aftermarket industry as a whole,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA's president and CEO. “By hiring Jim, we have added an experienced player who knows both sides of the industry. We’re very fortunate to have him join our team.”

Moore currently lives in Santa Monica, California, with his wife and two young daughters.

Thu, 08/28/2014 - 14:26
By SEMA Editors

  scrs
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) will launch the very first issue-specific, collision-repair industry forum that will be featured Wednesday, November 5, entitled the "OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit."
  
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) launched its first iteration of the Repairer Driven Education (RDE) series at the SEMA Show in 2010, and with annual adjustments to the format and content, it has become one of the most comprehensive programs of collision-repair education being offered to the industry. This year, one of the most noticeable new developments to the SCRS program is the launch of the very first issue-specific, collision-repair industry forum that will be featured Wednesday, November 5, entitled the "OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit."

"There is really no topic more captivating of everyone's attention right now than the rapidly changing landscape of automobile technology, and how it is driving adaptation in the collision-repair marketplace," shared SCRS Chairman Ron Reichen. "It is a topic that has broad-reaching impact on everyone in the industry, and it was important to both SCRS and SEMA to develop a forum that would address the significant interest from all who are making the investment to join the industry in Las Vegas this fall."

"We are really excited about how this program has come together, and the unique nature of the participants," added SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg. "We have speakers coming in from all over the world and participation from a wide variety of well-respected automakers, such as Ford, GM, Toyota, Tesla, BMW, Audi and Mercedes, but we will be hearing from representatives that we often don't have a chance to interface with."

The panelists represent companies with rich histories of producing sophisticated structural designs and technological advancements, and will bring technical insight into the design, architecture and development of their vehicles, and how advancements in those areas intersect with the repair process. The discussion will be moderated by Jason Bartanen, director of industry technical relations for the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), and one of the lead representatives from the training organization involved in their work as an "OEM linking pin."

The program will also include separate panel discussions with representatives from certified repair facilities, equipment suppliers, certifiers/auditors and special presentations from the aluminum and steel industries.

"SCRS really crafted a completely unique networking and learning forum with this event, and we are convinced it will put repairers in an interactive environment with subject matter experts that simply can't be found in any other event," added Peter MacGillivray, SEMA's vice president, communications and events. "As a Show organizer, we are keenly focused on how to enrich the attendee experience, and this partnership with SCRS continues to deliver toward that objective."

"Every participant in this industry can benefit from better insight into how vehicles and materials are evolving, what that means in the repair process and what will be expected of those who are performing these repairs," added Schulenburg. "The future of our collision-repair industry is highly-skilled professionals, working on highly sophisticated automobiles, that require the industry to embrace the necessary investments in training and equipment; but also relies on informed business owners who understand how to define for themselves what a sustainable and successful business model to support that investment looks like."

The OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit is made possible through support from PPG Refinish Products, Ford Motor Co., BASF, Toyota Motor Sales and The Hertz Corp.

For more information about SCRS' RDE series, and to register for the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit and other RDE sessions, visit www.semashow.com/scrs.
Thu, 08/28/2014 - 14:26
By SEMA Editors

  scrs
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) will launch the very first issue-specific, collision-repair industry forum that will be featured Wednesday, November 5, entitled the "OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit."
  
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) launched its first iteration of the Repairer Driven Education (RDE) series at the SEMA Show in 2010, and with annual adjustments to the format and content, it has become one of the most comprehensive programs of collision-repair education being offered to the industry. This year, one of the most noticeable new developments to the SCRS program is the launch of the very first issue-specific, collision-repair industry forum that will be featured Wednesday, November 5, entitled the "OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit."

"There is really no topic more captivating of everyone's attention right now than the rapidly changing landscape of automobile technology, and how it is driving adaptation in the collision-repair marketplace," shared SCRS Chairman Ron Reichen. "It is a topic that has broad-reaching impact on everyone in the industry, and it was important to both SCRS and SEMA to develop a forum that would address the significant interest from all who are making the investment to join the industry in Las Vegas this fall."

"We are really excited about how this program has come together, and the unique nature of the participants," added SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg. "We have speakers coming in from all over the world and participation from a wide variety of well-respected automakers, such as Ford, GM, Toyota, Tesla, BMW, Audi and Mercedes, but we will be hearing from representatives that we often don't have a chance to interface with."

The panelists represent companies with rich histories of producing sophisticated structural designs and technological advancements, and will bring technical insight into the design, architecture and development of their vehicles, and how advancements in those areas intersect with the repair process. The discussion will be moderated by Jason Bartanen, director of industry technical relations for the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), and one of the lead representatives from the training organization involved in their work as an "OEM linking pin."

The program will also include separate panel discussions with representatives from certified repair facilities, equipment suppliers, certifiers/auditors and special presentations from the aluminum and steel industries.

"SCRS really crafted a completely unique networking and learning forum with this event, and we are convinced it will put repairers in an interactive environment with subject matter experts that simply can't be found in any other event," added Peter MacGillivray, SEMA's vice president, communications and events. "As a Show organizer, we are keenly focused on how to enrich the attendee experience, and this partnership with SCRS continues to deliver toward that objective."

"Every participant in this industry can benefit from better insight into how vehicles and materials are evolving, what that means in the repair process and what will be expected of those who are performing these repairs," added Schulenburg. "The future of our collision-repair industry is highly-skilled professionals, working on highly sophisticated automobiles, that require the industry to embrace the necessary investments in training and equipment; but also relies on informed business owners who understand how to define for themselves what a sustainable and successful business model to support that investment looks like."

The OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit is made possible through support from PPG Refinish Products, Ford Motor Co., BASF, Toyota Motor Sales and The Hertz Corp.

For more information about SCRS' RDE series, and to register for the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit and other RDE sessions, visit www.semashow.com/scrs.
Thu, 08/28/2014 - 14:26
By SEMA Editors

  scrs
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) will launch the very first issue-specific, collision-repair industry forum that will be featured Wednesday, November 5, entitled the "OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit."
  
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) launched its first iteration of the Repairer Driven Education (RDE) series at the SEMA Show in 2010, and with annual adjustments to the format and content, it has become one of the most comprehensive programs of collision-repair education being offered to the industry. This year, one of the most noticeable new developments to the SCRS program is the launch of the very first issue-specific, collision-repair industry forum that will be featured Wednesday, November 5, entitled the "OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit."

"There is really no topic more captivating of everyone's attention right now than the rapidly changing landscape of automobile technology, and how it is driving adaptation in the collision-repair marketplace," shared SCRS Chairman Ron Reichen. "It is a topic that has broad-reaching impact on everyone in the industry, and it was important to both SCRS and SEMA to develop a forum that would address the significant interest from all who are making the investment to join the industry in Las Vegas this fall."

"We are really excited about how this program has come together, and the unique nature of the participants," added SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg. "We have speakers coming in from all over the world and participation from a wide variety of well-respected automakers, such as Ford, GM, Toyota, Tesla, BMW, Audi and Mercedes, but we will be hearing from representatives that we often don't have a chance to interface with."

The panelists represent companies with rich histories of producing sophisticated structural designs and technological advancements, and will bring technical insight into the design, architecture and development of their vehicles, and how advancements in those areas intersect with the repair process. The discussion will be moderated by Jason Bartanen, director of industry technical relations for the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), and one of the lead representatives from the training organization involved in their work as an "OEM linking pin."

The program will also include separate panel discussions with representatives from certified repair facilities, equipment suppliers, certifiers/auditors and special presentations from the aluminum and steel industries.

"SCRS really crafted a completely unique networking and learning forum with this event, and we are convinced it will put repairers in an interactive environment with subject matter experts that simply can't be found in any other event," added Peter MacGillivray, SEMA's vice president, communications and events. "As a Show organizer, we are keenly focused on how to enrich the attendee experience, and this partnership with SCRS continues to deliver toward that objective."

"Every participant in this industry can benefit from better insight into how vehicles and materials are evolving, what that means in the repair process and what will be expected of those who are performing these repairs," added Schulenburg. "The future of our collision-repair industry is highly-skilled professionals, working on highly sophisticated automobiles, that require the industry to embrace the necessary investments in training and equipment; but also relies on informed business owners who understand how to define for themselves what a sustainable and successful business model to support that investment looks like."

The OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit is made possible through support from PPG Refinish Products, Ford Motor Co., BASF, Toyota Motor Sales and The Hertz Corp.

For more information about SCRS' RDE series, and to register for the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit and other RDE sessions, visit www.semashow.com/scrs.
Thu, 08/28/2014 - 14:20

By Monika Earle

  show
Tips from SEMA Show veterans include: carry business cards, wear comfortable shoes, bring a backpack for snacks and water and don't plan on seeing everything in one day.
  

As the 2014 SEMA Show quickly approaches, attendees recently shared tips to help others get the most out of the annual event. Read what some SEMA Show Facebook fans had to say, and share your best tips in the comments area below.

“A backpack is a good option. It gives you room for all the swag and free stuff, but you can also pack water, snacks, a charger for your phone, etc. Pair that with comfy shoes, patience and breaking up areas for each day and you will have a much better experience.”

—Sal Danley

“Fifteen-year veteran's tips: 1. Comfy shoes but don't come dressed like you’re going to a BBQ (have some style, respect the trade). 2. Don't clog aisles/stairs/doorways. 3. Definitely buy your souvenir shirts and hats on the first day (your size always sells out). 4. Cover as many halls as possible by planning ahead and using semashow.com. 5. Plan on being [there] Friday for the SEMA Cruise (hands down the most exciting car event of the year). 6. Eat outside the convention center and avoid peak lunch times (11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.). Food trucks between the LVCC and the hotel or restaurants inside the [Westgate] will have less crowding at these times.”

—Michael Robleto

“Business cards, comfortable shoes, buy SEMA shirts early because they go fast, be polite and professional and use the map…it is your friend.”

—Sean Miller

“Comfortable shoes and clothes for a long day (or days) of walking, water, a snack for being on the run, cell phone and charging pack (charging stations are a pain and leave you immobile at times), a little cash and don't forget your pocket camera (cell phones don't always take the best pics with the crowds, lighting and tight spaces in the aisles). With all that, a light backpack may be your best bag for being mobile. Hand carts tend to slow you down and get in the way.”

—Brandon Reeves

“Good shoes. Don’t plan on seeing it all in one day. I find seeing what I need to on the first day then taking everything else in for the rest of the week works best...but I generally head back to the hotel mid-afternoon. Power parade Friday (SEMA Cruise) is a must see!”

—Dale Nagel

“Good shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, bring something to drink and have a good breakfast...You'll need it all! Make sure you know what you want to see/do and mark it on your map. That way you don't have to run around and you can skip what's not your interest. Enjoy Vegas!”

—Lisette van Es

“It's sensory overload! I recommend going for half or 2/3 day the first day, so you don't get yourself completely worn out for the rest of the show.”

—Bob Moon

“Look to see who is going be there and plan around the top five people you have to see. Comfortable shoes are helpful for sure and a backpack to carry all the swag you get so your hands are free to take pictures.”

—Joey Sanchez

“If you want to see everything, plan to attend all four days. If you've got less time, be sure to map out what you want to see and have a plan together. And as been said already, wear comfortable shoes.”

—Tony Moore

Thu, 08/28/2014 - 14:20

By Monika Earle

  show
Tips from SEMA Show veterans include: carry business cards, wear comfortable shoes, bring a backpack for snacks and water and don't plan on seeing everything in one day.
  

As the 2014 SEMA Show quickly approaches, attendees recently shared tips to help others get the most out of the annual event. Read what some SEMA Show Facebook fans had to say, and share your best tips in the comments area below.

“A backpack is a good option. It gives you room for all the swag and free stuff, but you can also pack water, snacks, a charger for your phone, etc. Pair that with comfy shoes, patience and breaking up areas for each day and you will have a much better experience.”

—Sal Danley

“Fifteen-year veteran's tips: 1. Comfy shoes but don't come dressed like you’re going to a BBQ (have some style, respect the trade). 2. Don't clog aisles/stairs/doorways. 3. Definitely buy your souvenir shirts and hats on the first day (your size always sells out). 4. Cover as many halls as possible by planning ahead and using semashow.com. 5. Plan on being [there] Friday for the SEMA Cruise (hands down the most exciting car event of the year). 6. Eat outside the convention center and avoid peak lunch times (11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.). Food trucks between the LVCC and the hotel or restaurants inside the [Westgate] will have less crowding at these times.”

—Michael Robleto

“Business cards, comfortable shoes, buy SEMA shirts early because they go fast, be polite and professional and use the map…it is your friend.”

—Sean Miller

“Comfortable shoes and clothes for a long day (or days) of walking, water, a snack for being on the run, cell phone and charging pack (charging stations are a pain and leave you immobile at times), a little cash and don't forget your pocket camera (cell phones don't always take the best pics with the crowds, lighting and tight spaces in the aisles). With all that, a light backpack may be your best bag for being mobile. Hand carts tend to slow you down and get in the way.”

—Brandon Reeves

“Good shoes. Don’t plan on seeing it all in one day. I find seeing what I need to on the first day then taking everything else in for the rest of the week works best...but I generally head back to the hotel mid-afternoon. Power parade Friday (SEMA Cruise) is a must see!”

—Dale Nagel

“Good shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, bring something to drink and have a good breakfast...You'll need it all! Make sure you know what you want to see/do and mark it on your map. That way you don't have to run around and you can skip what's not your interest. Enjoy Vegas!”

—Lisette van Es

“It's sensory overload! I recommend going for half or 2/3 day the first day, so you don't get yourself completely worn out for the rest of the show.”

—Bob Moon

“Look to see who is going be there and plan around the top five people you have to see. Comfortable shoes are helpful for sure and a backpack to carry all the swag you get so your hands are free to take pictures.”

—Joey Sanchez

“If you want to see everything, plan to attend all four days. If you've got less time, be sure to map out what you want to see and have a plan together. And as been said already, wear comfortable shoes.”

—Tony Moore

Thu, 08/28/2014 - 14:03

By SEMA Editors

  hrot
The top two teams from the SEMA Show and PRI Show will face off starting Friday, December 12, at 5:00 p.m., and compete another two times on Saturday. The team with the best average time will be crowned the 2014 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow national champion.
  

This year, Hot Rodders of Tomorrow will return to the SEMA Show (November 4–7), where 17 teams will compete in a semi-final championship, while another 17 teams will compete in a semi-final championship the following month at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show (December 11–13). The top two teams from the SEMA Show and PRI Show will face off at PRI starting Friday, December 12, at 5:00 p.m., and compete another two times on Saturday, December 13. The team with the best average time will be crowned the 2014 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow national champion.

The SEMA and PRI trade shows are two of the most anticipated events in the automotive industry each year. These are often the site of major announcements, press conferences, product debuts and more. The seemingly endless aisles of displays include everyone from the regular mechanic to the most recognizable names of the industry. It is in this arena that high school students from across the nation will face off against the clock and each other in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge finals.

The Engine Challenge, designed to equip and inspire the next generation of gear heads, is a series of cross-country events in which high school teams compete in complete factory crate-engine rebuilds. Each of these students gains valuable mechanical skills and learns to work efficiently under pressure, all in an environment that demands teamwork and precision. Participating in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge has afforded many students opportunities for scholarships, secondary schooling and promising careers that would not have been available otherwise. In recent history, automotive interest was waning among young adults. Efforts, such as those of Hot Rodders of Tomorrow, bring about a resurgence of enthusiasm among the next generation of hot rodders.

During the 10 events held in 2014, more than 29 teams completed their rebuild in less than 35 minutes, qualifying them for the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Championship. In the past five seasons, a single Engine Challenge Championship was held either at the PRI Show or SEMA Show.

Thu, 08/28/2014 - 14:03

By SEMA Editors

  hrot
The top two teams from the SEMA Show and PRI Show will face off starting Friday, December 12, at 5:00 p.m., and compete another two times on Saturday. The team with the best average time will be crowned the 2014 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow national champion.
  

This year, Hot Rodders of Tomorrow will return to the SEMA Show (November 4–7), where 17 teams will compete in a semi-final championship, while another 17 teams will compete in a semi-final championship the following month at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show (December 11–13). The top two teams from the SEMA Show and PRI Show will face off at PRI starting Friday, December 12, at 5:00 p.m., and compete another two times on Saturday, December 13. The team with the best average time will be crowned the 2014 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow national champion.

The SEMA and PRI trade shows are two of the most anticipated events in the automotive industry each year. These are often the site of major announcements, press conferences, product debuts and more. The seemingly endless aisles of displays include everyone from the regular mechanic to the most recognizable names of the industry. It is in this arena that high school students from across the nation will face off against the clock and each other in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge finals.

The Engine Challenge, designed to equip and inspire the next generation of gear heads, is a series of cross-country events in which high school teams compete in complete factory crate-engine rebuilds. Each of these students gains valuable mechanical skills and learns to work efficiently under pressure, all in an environment that demands teamwork and precision. Participating in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge has afforded many students opportunities for scholarships, secondary schooling and promising careers that would not have been available otherwise. In recent history, automotive interest was waning among young adults. Efforts, such as those of Hot Rodders of Tomorrow, bring about a resurgence of enthusiasm among the next generation of hot rodders.

During the 10 events held in 2014, more than 29 teams completed their rebuild in less than 35 minutes, qualifying them for the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Championship. In the past five seasons, a single Engine Challenge Championship was held either at the PRI Show or SEMA Show.

Thu, 08/28/2014 - 14:03

By SEMA Editors

  hrot
The top two teams from the SEMA Show and PRI Show will face off starting Friday, December 12, at 5:00 p.m., and compete another two times on Saturday. The team with the best average time will be crowned the 2014 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow national champion.
  

This year, Hot Rodders of Tomorrow will return to the SEMA Show (November 4–7), where 17 teams will compete in a semi-final championship, while another 17 teams will compete in a semi-final championship the following month at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show (December 11–13). The top two teams from the SEMA Show and PRI Show will face off at PRI starting Friday, December 12, at 5:00 p.m., and compete another two times on Saturday, December 13. The team with the best average time will be crowned the 2014 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow national champion.

The SEMA and PRI trade shows are two of the most anticipated events in the automotive industry each year. These are often the site of major announcements, press conferences, product debuts and more. The seemingly endless aisles of displays include everyone from the regular mechanic to the most recognizable names of the industry. It is in this arena that high school students from across the nation will face off against the clock and each other in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge finals.

The Engine Challenge, designed to equip and inspire the next generation of gear heads, is a series of cross-country events in which high school teams compete in complete factory crate-engine rebuilds. Each of these students gains valuable mechanical skills and learns to work efficiently under pressure, all in an environment that demands teamwork and precision. Participating in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge has afforded many students opportunities for scholarships, secondary schooling and promising careers that would not have been available otherwise. In recent history, automotive interest was waning among young adults. Efforts, such as those of Hot Rodders of Tomorrow, bring about a resurgence of enthusiasm among the next generation of hot rodders.

During the 10 events held in 2014, more than 29 teams completed their rebuild in less than 35 minutes, qualifying them for the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Championship. In the past five seasons, a single Engine Challenge Championship was held either at the PRI Show or SEMA Show.